PFF: Raiders DT Maurice Hurst among NFL's best rookies

Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst was expected to be a steal of a draft pick for Oakland, and he has delivered. The fifth-round selection has the fourth-highest Pro Football Focus grade among rookies.

Hurst was projected as a first-round pick, but he has a heart condition that scared off most NFL teams. He’s persevered and contributed two sacks, three passes defensed and a forced fumble in six games.

The former All-American at Michigan’s most translatable skill is his quick get-off. His first move is fast and powerful, leaving offensive lineman scrambling to recover. That’s when Hurst can use his array of secondary moves to create even more havoc.

Hurst and fellow rookie defensive linemen P.J. Hall and Arden Key have each shown promise. The Raiders need all three to develop into solid NFL players. Gruden also needs production now, so Hurst’s contributions have made him one Oakland’s main building blocks for the future.